04 aprile 2007

Southport Weekender

Have you ever fancied attending one of Europe's best loved and most diverse indoor music events?

Have you ever hankered after attaining that summer festival vibe but without having to gamble with the British weather?

Have you ever been curious about the repute of one of the UKs longest running music extravaganzas?

Have you ever imagined yourself dancing alongside one of the friendliest festival crowds around, immersed in 3 days of the best soulful music money can buy you?

If your answer is yes, you need to read on ...

History

Southport Weekender is a twice yearly music festival that attracts a 5000 capacity crowd to the indoor Pontins holiday complex in Southport, North West England. Having evolved from it's beginnings as a soul music weekender, the 20 year old event now stands as the most musically diverse music weekender in the U.K. calendar.

An intimate crowd of dedicated dancers and discerning music lovers will be your companions at the event, which features four purpose built arenas featuring state of the art production and sound, each covering a different strand of music.

From the R&B, soul and hip hop of The Alizé Funkbase and the main room dance sounds of The Powerhouse, to the soul aficionados Connossieurs' Corner and the eclectic styles of The B-Bar, Southport Weekender will treat you to a feast of the world's leading DJ talent, accompanied by party starting live acts and guest PAs.

Unlike many three day events Southport Weekender provides warm, comfortable accomodation, in the form of self catering apartments, for each of their attendees. As this is included in the ticket price it's a strong argument for Southport being the best value for money weekend event around.

The Pontins Southport complex is transformed into a multi faceted entertainment centre, with four purpose built dance arenas located inside the main building. As with the whole of Southport Weekender, the rooms are constantly scrutinised with a view to making improvements. Some of our regular sessions are moved from room to room, our format is perpetually refreshed in order to give each weekender an individuality of it's own.

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The Powerhouse

If you've never seen the Powerhouse before, nothing can prepare you for your first time. The largest indoor dance room in the UK is an awe-inspiring space and comfortably holds 2000 energetic bodies. A raised stage covers almost the whole of the room's front, enabling DJs and performers to be seen from anywhere. It is flanked by large video screens that feature some mind blowing visuals, adding to the sensory overload created by a huge lighting rig and the legendary sound. Comfortably loud, the purpose built sound system makes you feel like you're blanketed in music wherever you walk, it's clearness and clarity are it's renowned success. When you're dancing to the super soulful house and garage offered in the Powerhouse, you don't just hear the music, you feel it! 'Big is beautiful' could be the motto for the whole of Southport Weekender and nowhere is this more appropriate than the Powerhouse.

Our newly extended home of the urban grooves, the incredibly popular Alizé Funkbase covers the finest soul music, hip-hop, R n' B and club classics. A room where atmosphere is everything and the funk is first priority, an elated, attitude free crowd are left to soak up the vibes and dedicate their time to the dance. Featuring some of the most beautiful, sharply dressed movers on any floor, the 1500 capacity room is the home of some of the most impassioned dancers at the whole event. Alizé Funkbase regulars include Bigger, Max Rees, Ronnie Herel and The Starlight Crew who have recently been joined by the likes of Trevor Nelson, Simon ' Schoolboy' Phillips, Kenny 'Dope' Gonzalez, Steve Sutherland and Jazzy Jeff.

Through rare groove, disco, soulful garage and 70s, 80s and Modern soul, the Connoisseurs Corner is the epitome of what a soul weekender soundtrack should be. The collective knowledge (not to mention the ages!) of its core residents is ightening. Home to some of the most dedicated players on the UK soul scene, the likes of Gary Dennis, Andy Davies, Terry Jones, Bob Jeffries, Norman Jay and Bob Jones transport both the most hardened aficionados and the awe struck first timers to a unique and very special place.

With the standard of music at Southport Weekender being of such an unsurpassable quality, it's hard to tear yourself away from the dance floor even after many hours. But for those that need a break, time to relax or socialise with friends, the Chill Out room is the perfect place. Welcoming and comfortable, this space is decorated in fine style with blissful music provided by Sound Architecture.

The VIP Room

This small and comfortable room offers a breathing space for many of our artists and the many VIPs attracted to Southport Weekender for it's relaxed and friendly atmosphere. It houses a small bar, dance floor and sound system that always features a few surprise turns on the decks, although to be fair, you're more likely to see our VIPs dancing with their hands in the air, enjoying the fabulous sounds of our other rooms alongside everyone else.

Southport Weekender has for years been championed by music and dance enthusiasts, specialist magazines, radio and club DJs and even the mainstream press who, like so many of our visitors, are astounded by our commitment to providing only the finest entertainment money can buy.

Mobo Magazine 'One hell of a party'Update Magazine 'The most musically diverse weekender in the UK with a dedicated crowd' Time Out Magazine 'Amazing - the best in soulful house, rare groove and jazz' I-DJ Magazine 'The UK's most prestigious soulful house, soul and R&B event' M8 Magazine 'Friends old and new and a bass that booms through every cell in your body!' 'It cant fail to bring a smile to your face' 'Southport remains a warm mix of genders, races, ages and sexual orientations with everyone coming together to support their one true love: music!' Blues and Soul Magazine 'three spectacularly soulful days' 'Bouncing up and down like duracell bunnies to the best spinners alive'DJ Magazine 'Keep the vibe alive' 'Chalet shambles time!'Touch Magazine 'The best music event of the year' 'A weekend of the best soulful music going' 'Unforgettable vibe'Guardian Guide 'Carefully balancing a respect for the past - while keeping an eye on future music trends' 'Five arenas blast out music until breakfast much to the delight of dancers' Keep On Magazine 'One of the most important events on the dance music cale